Sunday, September 11, 2011

Green Mango Spinach Curry. Yum:-)

I'm telling ya--healthy eating and happy cooking doesn't get any better than this! My culinarily gifted friend Mariam taught me how to make this curry last year, and ever since I have been trying to get mine to taste exactly the way she prepares it. I think I finally got it. It is bursting with flavor and aromas and colors that really tempt the chef and partakers alike. Here's how I made it:

1. Make rice (or noodles) and keep warm. Any kind of rice will do. Brown rice is, of course, a healthier choice.

2. Grind fresh fennel seeds in a mortar & pestle like this marble one I have:

Bought this at Kitchen & Company, one of my favorite places to shop.

3. Heat up toasted sesame oil in a large pan. Add fennel and toast fennel golden brown. This really amps up the flavor, and it smells amazing!

4. Add 1/2 tsp. turmeric, a pinch of cayenne pepper (more if you like a lot of heat), 1tsp onion flakes, a clover or two of minced garlic, a vegan chicken style boullion cube, and 2 tsp green curry paste (I like Thai Kitchen brand). Add a few splashes of water to keep things moist.

5. Toss in whatever protein & veggies you are using. I used frozen organic peas and spinach, fresh mango slices, and slices of Morningstar Farm Chicken Style Patties. I added some chopped cilantro to add more flavor at this point.